Kunozan Toshogu Shrine: A Mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, nestled in Shizuoka City, is a significant historical and cultural site dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. Ieyasu, who spent his final years in nearby Sumpu Castle, decreed that he should be buried on Mount Kuno. After his death in 1616, his successor, Tokugawa Hidetada, ordered the construction of the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine to enshrine him. The shrine is the first of the Toshogu shrines in Japan and served as a model for later shrines, including the famous Nikko Toshogu. The main approach to Kunozan Toshogu involves climbing over 1,000 stone steps that zig-zag up the mountainside, offering impressive views of Suruga Bay. Alternatively, visitors can take the Nihondaira Ropeway from the Nihondaira plateau to the north. The shrine complex features bright red buildings adorned with gold accents, intricate carvings, and paintings. Key structures include the Romon Gate, Haiden (worship hall), Honden (main hall), and Ieyasu's tomb deeper in the woods. The Kunozan Toshogu Museum displays Ieyasu's personal belongings, such as swords, armor, and hanging scrolls. The main shrine building was designated a National Treasure in 2010. Kunozan is considered a special place from a Feng Shui perspective, characterized by its unique topography. Kunozan Toshogu is not only a historical landmark but also a place of natural beauty, with views of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay. Whether climbing the stone steps or riding the ropeway, a visit to Kunozan Toshogu offers a glimpse into Japan's rich history and cultural heritage.